Meet the Cob Horse

The word cob used to describe a type of horse is more commonly used in the U K. than in North America. Nevertheless you may run into cobsized tack or hear someone describe a horse as cobby or a cob. 
What Is a Cob Horse?
Rather than a specific breed the term cob horse refers to a horses body type that can be found in many breeds. With stout legs and sturdy builds cob horses resemble large ponies and often include breeds like the Welsh Cob draft crosses and some types of Arabian and American Quarter horses.

A cob is typically about 15 hands high with a steady temperament. While they look similar to ponies these horses are taller than pony height which is 14 2 hands. Cobs are equally at home under saddle or in harness and are often allpurpose horsesdesirable both back when horses were needed for transport and now when an owner wishes to have both a sturdy riding and driving horse.
Cob Characteristics
Given their relatively large bones solid joints sturdy build and almost ponylike appearance a cob may give the impression of being built like a square or being a bit shortlegged. Cobs typically have a docile temperament. They often have copious manes and tails and leg feathering similar to the Clydesdale or Shire horse. There is no real size specification for cobs but generally they are of riding horse heightunder 16 hands. Their necks are heavy and give the impression of being arched and their heads may be thicker not delicately featured and sometimes even roman nosed. They come in every color and with every sort of marking and coat pattern. Cob gaits should be comfortable and their way of going strong and steady
Type Not Breed
Cobs are not a specific breed of horse rather they are a type of horse. However there is the specific breed called the Welsh Cob which comes in four types. Sometimes horse terms can be confusing! Because of their substantial build they can carry large adults easily without being too tall to get on and ride like a draft horse. This doesnt mean that draft horses cant be cob types. The Gypsy Vanner Norman or French Cob and the similar Breton Horse also from France are draft breeds of the cob type. But the most wellknown cob type riding horse is the Section D Welsh Cob. In fact some Arabians American Quarter Horses and other sturdy light horse breeds may be